I Truly Am The Villian Chapter 2261 - 2260: Opening Mountain Three Ancestors, Jade Void Ten Kings

Certain animosities linger for an entire lifetime, a trait exemplified by Old Man Taishan.

Events from tens of thousands of years past were long forgotten by the Great Emperor of the Three Blades, yet Old Man Taishan harbored them as fuel for his vengeance.

Responding to Old Man Taishan's words, the Great Emperor of the Three Blades offered a slight smile, stating, "I do recall you, though I never imagined you possessed such pettiness."

"It was a mere contest, not a personal vendetta against your father or a sorrow of a stolen spouse, so why cultivate such a profound resentment?"

"Easier said than done. At that juncture, I was a pivotal figure within the Opening Mountain Sect.

However, due to that very clash with you, the Sect ultimately cast me aside.

Were my Daoist Heart not resilient, were I not to have endured through the millennia, I would not be standing before you now," Old Man Taishan declared, his features contorted, teeth gritting.

"The world knows of the True Martial Holy Sect, and through it, your renown as the Great Emperor of the Three Blades soared.

But who, among them, recognizes the name Taishan?"

The Great Emperor of the Three Blades responded with a gentle smile, "If your name resonates with no one, you ought not to blame me.

Perhaps reflect inwardly on your own perceived lack of worth and seek the reason there."

"Enough talk; I am here today to issue a challenge for a battle of Three Blades. Do you dare accept?"

Old Man Taishan stated his intention plainly.

"The prestige you, the True Martial Great Emperor, have accumulated, I shall dismantle piece by piece."

"I suspect your arrival is motivated by more than just a challenge," the Great Emperor of the Three Blades remarked, his interest piqued.

"I perceive your aim is towards the True Martial Holy Sect itself. Otherwise, what inherent virtue or capability do my Three Blades possess to warrant the attendance of the Jade Void Ten Kings and the Opening Mountain Three Ancestors?"

As the Great Emperor of the Three Blades concluded his statement, his gaze sharpened, resembling a honed blade.

Within the contingent from the Opening Mountain Sect, it was widely assumed Old Man Taishan led their efforts.

However, unbeknownst to most, two other figures maintained a low profile amongst them.

Both were clad in identical black robes.

Hoods obscured their faces entirely.

Now that their presence was acknowledged by the Great Emperor of the Three Blades, the figure on the left, draped in black, let out a sinister chuckle.

"Our presence has been discerned, yet concealment was never our intention."

The individual in the left black robe then unveiled his true visage.

He was a man of middle age, standing eight feet tall, possessing a powerful build, yet with a surprisingly youthful face.

The striking contrast between his robust physique and his countenance was notable.

Yet, this was his current appearance.

"Mount Lu Ancient Ancestor."

He was indeed one of the Opening Mountain Three Ancestors, holding a status akin to Old Man Taishan.

As the adage suggests, one's inability to recognize Mount Lu's true form stems from being within its confines; similarly, Mount Lu Ancient Ancestor perpetually shifted his appearance.

His true nature and the deceptions he wove were already commonplace knowledge.

"Without the True Martial Great Emperor, the True Martial Holy Sect's former might has waned. Yet, they still aspire to dominate the Heaven Extreme Realm; this is rather an overestimation of their standing," declared the other black-robed individual, her voice revealing her as female.

She then removed her cloak, revealing herself to be an elderly woman.

Known as the Emei Leader, she too was counted among the Opening Mountain Three Ancestors.

These three had jointly established the Opening Mountain Sect, propelling its fame and influence to great heights.

Among the myriad of prevailing powers, few dared to directly confront them.

The Emei Leader, Mount Lu Ancient Ancestor, and Old Man Taishan.

Their convergence at this moment sent an unmistakable ripple of unease through the other attendees at the banquet.

Logically, attending a mere banquet did not necessitate such a formidable display of power.

Even with an invitation from the True Martial Holy Sect, the joint appearance of all three ancestors seemed excessive.

Many present could already sense the palpable tension escalating.

With the True Martial Great Emperor's absence, a host of opportunistic figures had begun to surface.

"You propose that my True Martial Holy Sect is unqualified to lead, yet do you believe your Opening Mountain Sect possesses the requisite standing?" the Great Emperor of the Three Blades retorted.

"Why not?" Old Man Taishan asserted without hesitation.

"The presence of the three ancestors today is intended to urge the True Martial Holy Sect towards clarity and withdrawal.

Otherwise, should conflict erupt and blood saturate the land, no party will emerge victorious."

"Enough of this pointless rhetoric," Xu Zimei interjected, his voice dripping with cold disdain.

"Since you have graced us with your presence today, I see no need for you to depart. Remain here; I shall select a suitable resting place for your remains."

Initially, Xu Zimei had appeared unassuming.

Having spent minimal time within the True Martial Holy Sect, he was largely overlooked during intelligence gathering efforts.

His sudden interjection, brimming with such audacious arrogance, naturally drew considerable attention and subsequent displeasure.

"Youngster, when did you acquire the standing to interject in our discussions? Be silent," the Emei Leader admonished dismissively.

A surge of power surrounded her, and her massive hand swept towards Xu Zimei.

The Emei Leader placed great emphasis on rules.

Within the Opening Mountain Sect, no disciple ever dared to defy her.

Yet, Xu Zimei's words now constituted an offense.

As the Emei Leader's hand descended, Xu Zimei brought the Tyrant Shadow forth.

With a heavy downward slice.

A piercing scream erupted.

The surrounding crowd was immediately thrown into a state of shock, utterly stunned by the scene.

The Emei Leader's severed hand clattered onto the ground.

From initial uproar to absolute silence, mere seconds had passed.

The Emei Leader's expression shifted dramatically.

Although her initial swing was light and not at full strength.

Losing a hand was an immense humiliation.

Especially for someone who highly valued discipline and her own standing.

Abandoning all pretense, she roared in fury, "You dare seek death, boy!"

Immediately, her formidable ability, capable of moving mountains and overturning seas, radiated outwards.

An oppressive aura, sufficient to annihilate all existence, made itself known.

Her left hand, appearing to blot out the sky, carried a power that plunged the heavens and earth into darkness as it swept towards Xu Zimei once more.

However, Xu Zimei remained unfaltering, as though the potential collapse of the sky held no consequence for him.

He simply gripped the hilt of his blade and drew it from its sheath.

A sound like an explosion ensued.

Another severed hand fell to the ground.

At that moment, a suffocating silence descended upon the scene.

Even the Emei Leader was momentarily taken aback.

She had underestimated the situation earlier, perhaps thinking a casual, unprepared swing would suffice.

But this time, fueled by her rage, she had held nothing back.

Yet, her hand was still severed.

"It appears the True Martial Holy Sect has acquired a capable subordinate; no wonder they are so arrogant," Old Man Taishan remarked sinisterly from the side.

"Not a subordinate, I am a member of the True Martial Holy Sect," Xu Zimei stated coldly.

"You may refer to me as Eternal Ancient."

"Eternal Ancient?" the onlookers exchanged glances, clearly realizing Xu Zimei had been overlooked in the True Martial Holy Sect's previous investigations.

The Jade Void Ten Kings and the Opening Mountain Three Ancestors exchanged meaningful looks.

Only then did Old Man Taishan speak, "Leave the Great Emperor of the Three Blades to me; no one else shall interfere. This battle between us has been anticipated for a long time."

"Then we shall handle this Eternal Ancient," replied the Mount Lu Ancient Ancestor.

"Are you quite capable of that?" the Great Emperor of the Three Blades turned to Xu Zimei, a smile playing on his lips.

"You are merely a collection of ants; your numbers mean nothing," Xu Zimei responded dismissively.